Was Steve Yzerman's first draft in the NHL in 2019 with the Detroit Red Wings a failure or a success?
The Detroit Red Wings' 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the first under GM Steve Yzerman, remains a topic of discussion five years later.
This draft is often highlighted by the selection of Moritz Seider, the sixth overall pick, who has since become a key piece of the Detroit Red Wings' defence. Moritz Seider's rapid development into a top-pairing defenseman has led many to consider this draft a success based on his contributions alone.
Beyond Moritz Seider, other selections from that draft continue to develop, though with mixed results. Elmer Söderblom, a sixth-round pick, has shown flashes of potential with his size and skill but still faces challenges securing a consistent NHL role. A second-round pick, Albert Johansson has demonstrated promise as a reliable defenseman, though his NHL debut is still awaited. Antti Tuomisto, another second-rounder, took an unconventional path to the AHL and remains a work in progress.
While traditional metrics might label the 2019 draft as underwhelming due to the limited NHL impact beyond Seider, the long-term potential of these prospects cannot be ignored. If Elmer Söderblom, Albert Johansson, and Antti Tuomisto can contribute significantly, this draft could ultimately be viewed as a pivotal moment in the Detroit Red Wings' rebuild under Steve Yzerman.
Source: Hockey DB
2019 NHL draft
Source: Octopus Thrower
Detroit Red Wings 2019 draft a success or failure?
| POLL | ||
Do you think Steve Yzerman's first draft in the NHL in 2019 with the Detroit Red Wings was a failure or a success? | ||
| Success | 37 | 69.8 % |
| Failure | 7 | 13.2 % |
| Neutral | 9 | 17 % |
| List of polls | ||
